Doing the minimum

Street smarts

Last week, Wal-Mart announced it would raise the pay of half a million workers, above the federal minimum wage. Should others follow suit?

Linda Carroll of the west side is a merchandiser.

Colorado's minimum wage is $8.23 an hour. How fair do you think that is? I think it should be higher. A lot of people working for minimum wage are trying to support a family.

Do you know anyone who's working for minimum wage right now? Yes, I know a few people and they're struggling. They barely make enough to pay for any benefits they might get at work.

What do you feel the minimum wage should be? I think $9 an hour, at least.

Politically, do you think raising the minimum wage is a winning or losing idea? The politicians are obviously not making minimum wage, so it doesn't affect them. But I think raising it would help them get elected.

What segment of the workforce do you feel is underpaid? Restaurant workers. They rely on tips, and not everyone tips.

Alegra Smith of the southwest side is a mental health technician.

Do you think Colorado's minimum wage of $8.23 is fair? Not really. It doesn't balance out with the cost of living here. For a single person, trying to survive on minimum wage is impossible.

Do you know anyone working for minimum wage right now?How's it going? I don't know anyone who can make it. If they have minimum-wage jobs, they have to work multiple jobs.

What do you think the minimum wage should be? Between $10 and $12 per hour, at least.

Politically, do you think raising the minimum wage is a winning or losing idea? Winning. Everyone's going to be for it, and be excited about making more money.

What segment of the workforce do you feel is underpaid? Teachers and nurses. They have really important jobs.

Stanley Ellsworth of the west side is a mechanic.

Colorado's minimum wage is $8.23. How fair do you think that is? Well, if it was raised, it could raise prices on everything else, and it could hurt the mom-and-pop businesses.

Do you know anyone who's working for minimum wage right now? I was, up until November. I had 30 hours a week, but they cut my hours down to 12 a week, so I quit.

What do you feel the minimum wage should be? About $9 to $9.50 an hour.

What segment of the workforce do you feel is overpaid? The government, and the CEOs. Sometimes the bonuses are ridiculous.

What segment of the workforce do you feel is underpaid? Probably cooks, dishwashers and newspaper carriers.